East Coast surfers have a complicated relationship with Hurricanes. At a safe distance they're incredible wave generators, and a distant storm can light up their local lineups for days. Some will start chasing swell in the Caribbean and chase waves up the entire East Coast as the storm moves north. But while surfers in the Northeast might be taking advantage of this one, their Florida friends won't be joining them, as they're too busy bracing for impact. The size and scope of Irma is one that hasn't been seen for more than 100 years, and it's not one to mess with. And Hurricane Jose is right behind it.
Former Championship Tour star Shea Lopez is one of them. "Irma is not the hurricane to put your loved ones at risk over," he posted on his Instagram account on Thursday. "Grab what you need and leave if you can. If you can't #besafe #bestrong."
Lopez took his family all the way over to Pensacola, Florida, which is in the panhandle just east of Alabama. Even there, with the size, scope and path of Irma, the weather is expected to get harsh.
Damien Hobgood was one who echoed Shea's post: "Shea Knows. Get out of dodge."
Surfers from the region are also trying to raise awareness of the dire situation for their neighboring islands that aren't in the headlines. Remote regions in the British Virgin Islands have already been destroyed, and are now bracing for Hurricane Jose. According to many with contacts there, the situation is desperate.
Photographer Ben Gulliver is one who's trying to stay in close contact with friends and relatives in the region. He posted the following on his Instagram account.
Displaced East coasters are doing the same, thinking of friends and family back home. Many are feeling hopeless as all they can do is stay glued to the Weather Channel.
Even East Coast Legends Aren't Messing with Irma
WSL
East Coast surfers have a complicated relationship with Hurricanes. At a safe distance they're incredible wave generators, and a distant storm can light up their local lineups for days. Some will start chasing swell in the Caribbean and chase waves up the entire East Coast as the storm moves north. But while surfers in the Northeast might be taking advantage of this one, their Florida friends won't be joining them, as they're too busy bracing for impact. The size and scope of Irma is one that hasn't been seen for more than 100 years, and it's not one to mess with. And Hurricane Jose is right behind it.
Former Championship Tour star Shea Lopez is one of them. "Irma is not the hurricane to put your loved ones at risk over," he posted on his Instagram account on Thursday. "Grab what you need and leave if you can. If you can't #besafe #bestrong."
Lopez took his family all the way over to Pensacola, Florida, which is in the panhandle just east of Alabama. Even there, with the size, scope and path of Irma, the weather is expected to get harsh.
Damien Hobgood was one who echoed Shea's post: "Shea Knows. Get out of dodge."
Surfers from the region are also trying to raise awareness of the dire situation for their neighboring islands that aren't in the headlines. Remote regions in the British Virgin Islands have already been destroyed, and are now bracing for Hurricane Jose. According to many with contacts there, the situation is desperate.
Photographer Ben Gulliver is one who's trying to stay in close contact with friends and relatives in the region. He posted the following on his Instagram account.
Displaced East coasters are doing the same, thinking of friends and family back home. Many are feeling hopeless as all they can do is stay glued to the Weather Channel.
Damien Hobgood
Peter "Joli" Wilson explains just what made the 2005 Billabong Pro Tahiti such a special moment in surfing history.
This was a wild year, with perfect heats, jet ski madness and some of the best barrel riders ever taking on maxing Teahupoo.
2x World Champion Tyler Wright set for a star-studded Sydney Surf Pro, Surfrider goes to Washington, Camp Shred and Damo scores Cloudbreak.
Florida charger Damien Hobgood has a well-deserved reputation as a tube hound in big, hollow lefts. Here's his secret.
The Hawaiian's best moment at the Puerto Escondido Challenge couldn't have come at a better time.
News
Lelior and Piter Make History at 44th Edition of Lacanau Pro
The men's Round of 16 of the Corona Cero Open J-Bay unraveled with plenty of upsets and major moments for those looking to solidify their
A gritty day pushed the men to deliver in testy conditions at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay and determine who notched marquee Quarterfinal
A convincing heat win for 2025 CT Rookie standout Marco Mignot notched one of the year's heaviest upsets, beating World No. 1 Jordy Smith
From Rio to J-Bay, the San Clemente duel of Griffin Colapinto and Cole Houshmand has hit its third continent with Colapinto getting one